November 30, 2018, issue of 'AOPA ePilot' weekly newsletter


VOL 20, ISSUE 48	November 30, 2018

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Top Stories

Advocacy

AOPA interested in Urban Air Mobility Grand Challenge

With aircraft capable of door-to-door service just over the horizon, AOPA has expressed interest in participating in a NASA effort to shape the future of urban aviation. (Image courtesy of NASA/Lillian Gipson.) Read more >

AOPA Live This Week

Saluting Veterans Airlift Command; Pole to pole around the world

A new documentary honors the Veterans Airlift Command, and one pilot prepares to fly around the world via the poles. Watch AOPA Live This Week®, Nov. 29 >

Technique and Safety

Article

PilotWorkshops introduces 'VFR Mastery' series

An installment of PilotWorkshops' new VFR Mastery series of online, scenario-based workshops sharpens your decision-making skills by helping a Beechcraft V35 Bonanza pilot get his family home safely. Read more >

Video

Mayday, mayday, mayday!

A pilot recounts an in-flight emergency with a full load of passengers above Denali National Park in this AOPA Air Safety Institute Real Pilot Story. Watch the video >

Online resource

Going on instruments

The AOPA Air Safety Institute's IFR Procedures Safety Spotlight offers a wealth of resources to help you hone your instrument flying skills. Learn more >

Skiing in the sun

Looking to fly somewhere new for some powder time? Sun Valley, Idaho, may be the answer, but make sure you're up to speed on its instrument approach procedures. This AOPA Air Safety Institute quiz can help. Take the quiz >

Pilot Protection Services

709 rides

The FAA often responds to accidents and incidents by requesting a reexamination known as a "709 ride." Here's what you need to know if you are required to take one. Read more >

Advocacy

Less isn't more for GPS and flight safety

The more the civil aviation system becomes tied to GPS-based navigation, the more national security requires "degrading" GPS signals to prepare the military to meet new threats. Read more >

Advocacy

FAA grants two-year extension for life-limited cylinders

The FAA has granted operators of aircraft with certain Superior Air Parts cylinders installed on Continental engines another two years before they must replace the cylinders under the provisions of a current airworthiness directive. Read more >

Health

Online resource

Here's to your gut health

The decadent foods we feast on during the holidays can wreak havoc on anyone's digestive system. However, those who have been diagnosed with certain gastrointestinal disorders will need to provide some extra documentation to their aviation medical examiner. Learn more >

Technology

Article

uAvionix gets skyBeacon STC

uAvionix has received FAA approval to install its skyBeacon wingtip-mounted Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out hardware with integral position light and strobe on certified aircraft. Read more >

Article

FAA notes flight display 'blanking' concern

Certain Aspen Avionics primary flight displays and multifunction displays could go blank in flight. Read more >

Opinion

Blog

A love affair with an underpowered airplane

Opinion Leaders blogger Leighan Falley's PA–22/20 "spicy bush plane" tackles the Alaska Range. Read more >

Gear

Slideshow

Camping with the family

When it comes to camping with your airplane and your family, packing equipment that can do more than one job is essential. Read more >

Travel

Slideshow

Flightworthy winter light festivals for the family

Holiday light festivals hosted by cities, resorts, theme parks, and zoos offer fun activities for the family. Here are some light festivals and displays worth flying to. Read more >

Want more general aviation travel stories? Sign up for our free AOPA Travel Pilot biweekly newsletter.

Financial

Article

Airframes Alaska buys Alaska Tent and Tarp

Airframes Alaska is becoming a one-stop manufacturer when it comes to equipping pilots and their aircraft for backcountry flying. Read more >

Member benefit

Tips for finding your dream airplane

These three sources can help you find the airplane you've been dreaming of owning. Read more >

Member benefit

Fly more, save more

Good news: The best thing you can do to improve your insurance rate is to fly more! Read more >

News and Notes

Article

Zen Pilot to spread message of unity

Adventurer Robert DeLaurentis plans to depart mid-January to set the world record for speed and distance over the poles in a highly modified Twin Commander 900. Read more >

Article

National Aviation Hall of Fame names 2019 honorees

Three heroes of aerospace and military aviation, and three names intimately intertwined with general aviation through the years, will be enshrined as the National Aviation Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Read more >

Article

Aviation writer Jack Elliott has died

Jack Elliott Schapiro, a journalist and pilot who told general aviation's "colorful and exciting" story, died Nov. 20 at the age of 94. Read more >

Article

FAA issues alert on check valve flaw in some Cessna Caravans

The FAA has alerted operators of some Cessna 208B Caravan single-engine turboprops of several instances of oil-system check valve failures and has recommended precautionary actions to take while the issue is investigated. Read more >

Collier Trophy nomination period opens

The National Aeronautic Association will accept nominations for the Robert J. Collier Trophy from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31, 2019. The annual award honors "the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America."

You Can Fly

Flying club mentorship can spur growth

Want to start a flying club but not sure how? Find a flying club near you and seek opportunities to get mentored. Read more >

Last chance for free shipping on 'Freedom to Fly'

From the editors of AOPA Pilot and Flight Training comes Freedom to Fly: AOPA and the History of General Aviation in America. Get free shipping when you order by Dec. 5. Order now >

Career Opportunities

Aviation job board

Job of the week: CFI/co-pilot, Lyddon Aero Center

Lyddon Aero Center in Liberal, Kansas, seeks a flight instructor and co-pilot for its busy Part 135 operation. Responsibilities include teaching students and co-piloting three Beechjet 400A aircraft as well as several turboprop aircraft. Read the full description and apply today >

AOPA career opportunities

Join the AOPA team

Ever dream of turning your passion for aviation into a career? AOPA is looking for a development marketing and communications manager, digital marketing coordinator, Air Safety Institute video producer, scholarship program manager, marketing customer acquisitions director, development operations director, curriculum development director, aviation finance sales manager/senior account executive, publications senior director, regulatory affairs director, and aviation finance account executive. Learn about AOPA career opportunities >

Question of the Week

Question

I've always heard that if you have an electric trim runaway, the best thing to do is to pull the circuit breaker. I'm not sure this is the best plan of action for every situation. Where can I get some guidance?

Answer

The FAA recently published a Safety Alert for Operators on this topic. It covers essential skills, emphasizes the importance of knowing the aircraft's systems, and directs pilots to follow immediate action items and checklists during malfunctions and emergencies.

This question and answer were provided by AOPA's Pilot Information Center. Got a question for our technical services staff? Contact AOPA.

Education & Seminars

Flight Instructor Refresher Courses

Dec. 1-2	Orlando, Florida; and Denver, Colorado
Jan. 5-6	Bellevue, Washington; and Costa Mesa, California
Jan. 12-13	Charlotte, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; Portland, Oregon; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan. 19-20	Alcoa, Tennessee; Romulus, Michigan; and Santa Clara, California

For a complete schedule, see AOPA Online. Can't make it in person? Sign up for the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Online eFIRC.

Safety Seminars

Jan. 14	Reno, Nevada; and Houston, Texas
Jan. 15	McClellan, California; and Houston, Texas
Jan. 16	Milpitas, California; and San Antonio, Texas
Jan. 17	Austin, Texas

Topics vary—for details and a complete schedule, see AOPA Online.

Rusty Pilots Seminars

Dec. 1	Bartow, Florida; Chesapeake, Virginia; Spartanburg, South Carolina; Homestead, Florida; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dec. 8	Scottsdale, Arizona; Brewton, Alabama; Frederick, Maryland; Topeka, Kansas; San Diego, California; and College Station, Texas
Dec. 15	Englewood, Colorado; and Rome, Georgia
Jan. 5	Stevensville, Maryland

AOPA Rusty Pilots seminars are sponsored by Sporty's. For a complete schedule, visit the AOPA Hangar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to view these events.)

Aviation Calendar

Want something to do this weekend? Planning an aviation getaway? See AOPA's enhanced calendar of events. You can filter events, add an event, or search all events in the calendar. (Log in to the AOPA Hangar using your AOPA website username and password to search the events or to add an event.) Before you take off on an adventure, make sure you check our current aviation weather provided by Jeppesen.

For airport details, including FBO fuel prices, see AOPA Airports. AOPA does not endorse or assume responsibility for the events submitted and listed in the calendar.

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ePilot Editors:
Alyssa J. Cobb
Jim Moore
Dan Namowitz
David Tulis

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Kristy O'Malley
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
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Sarah Deener
Dave Hirschman
Tom Horne
Warren Morningstar
Jill W. Tallman
Ian J. Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

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